Mathematics
Mathematics: 25 questions
Q1 · MCQ · Quadratic Equations · Hard
Let $\alpha$, $\alpha + 2$, $\alpha \in Z$, be the roots of the quadratic equation $x(x + 2) + (x + 1)(x + 3) + (x + 2)(x + 4) + .... + (x + n - 1)(x + n + 1) = 4n$ for some $n \in N$. Then $n + \alpha$ is equal to :
- (1) 0
- (2) 1
- (3) 2
- (4) 3
Show answer and solution
Answer: Option (3)
Key idea: Quadratic Equations with Series Summation and Vieta's Formulas
- Expand the general term: $(x+k)(x+k+2) = x^2 + (2k+2)x + k^2 + 2k$ for $k = 0$ to $n-1$
- Sum all terms using summation formulas: $\sum_{k=0}^{n-1}k = \frac{n(n-1)}{2}$ and $\sum_{k=0}^{n-1}k^2 = \frac{n(n-1)(2n-1)}{6}$
- Simplify to get: $x^2 + (n+1)x + \frac{2n^2 + 3n - 29}{6} = 0$
- Apply Vieta's formulas: Sum of roots $2\alpha + 2 = -(n+1)$ gives $\alpha = \frac{-n-3}{2}$
- Use product of roots: $\alpha(\alpha+2) = \frac{2n^2 + 3n - 29}{6}$ and substitute $\alpha$ to get $n^2 = 49$, so $n = 7$
- Calculate $\alpha = \frac{-7-3}{2} = -5$, therefore $n + \alpha = 7 + (-5) = 2$
Q2 · MCQ · Complex Numbers and Quadratic Equations · Medium
Let $x$ and $y$ be real numbers such that $50\left(\frac{2x}{1+3i} - \frac{y}{1-2i}\right) = 31 + 17i$, $i = \sqrt{-1}$. Then the value of $10(x - 3y)$ is :
- (1) 20
- (2) 31
- (3) 35
- (4) 75
Show answer and solution
Answer: Option (4)
Key idea: Complex number operations: rationalization and equating real and imaginary parts
- Step 1: Rationalize $\frac{2x}{1+3i}$ by multiplying by $\frac{1-3i}{1-3i}$ to get $\frac{x(1-3i)}{5}$
- Step 2: Rationalize $\frac{y}{1-2i}$ by multiplying by $\frac{1+2i}{1+2i}$ to get $\frac{y(1+2i)}{5}$
- Step 3: Substitute and simplify: $50 \cdot \frac{1}{5}[x(1-3i) - y(1+2i)] = 31 + 17i$ gives $10[(x-y) + i(-3x-2y)] = 31 + 17i$
- Step 4: Equate real parts: $10(x-y) = 31$, so $x - y = 3.1$
- Step 5: Equate imaginary parts: $10(-3x-2y) = 17$, so $-3x - 2y = 1.7$
- Step 6: Solve the system: From $x = y + 3.1$ and $-3(y+3.1) - 2y = 1.7$, get $y = -2.2$ and $x = 0.9$
- Step 7: Calculate $10(x - 3y) = 10(0.9 - 3(-2.2)) = 10(7.5) = 75$
Q3 · MCQ · Determinants · Medium
Let $\alpha, \beta \in \mathbf{R}$ be such that the system of linear equations
$x + 2y + z = 5$
$2x + y + \alpha z = 5$
$8x + 4y + \beta z = 18$
has no solution. Then $\frac{\beta}{\alpha}$ is equal to :
- (1) $-4$
- (2) $4$
- (3) $8$
- (4) $-8$
Show answer and solution
Answer: Option (2)
Key idea: Condition for inconsistent system of linear equations using determinants and row reduction
- Write the augmented matrix and apply row operations: $R_2 \to R_2 - 2R_1$ and $R_3 \to R_3 - 8R_1$
- Apply $R_3 \to R_3 - 4R_2$ to get the matrix in row echelon form
- The last row becomes $[0 \quad 0 \quad \beta-4\alpha \mid -2]$
- For no solution, we need $\beta - 4\alpha = 0$ (rank of coefficient matrix $< $ rank of augmented matrix) and $-2 \neq 0$ (which is satisfied)
- From $\beta - 4\alpha = 0$, we get $\beta = 4\alpha$
- Therefore, $\frac{\beta}{\alpha} = 4$
Q4 · MCQ · Matrices and Determinants · Medium
Let $A=\begin{bmatrix}1 & 2\\ 1 & \alpha\end{bmatrix}$ and $B=\begin{bmatrix}3 & 3\\ \beta & 2\end{bmatrix}$. If $A^2 - 4A + I = O$ and $B^2 - 5B - 6I = O$, then among the two statements :
(S1): $[(B-A)(B+A)]^T = \begin{bmatrix}13 & 15\\ 7 & 10\end{bmatrix}$
and
(S2): $\det(\text{adj}(A+B)) = -5$,
- (1) only (S1) is correct
Show answer and solution
Answer: Option (2)
Key idea: Matrix equations, determinants, and properties of adjoint matrices
- Find $\alpha$ from $A^2 - 4A + I = O$: Calculate $A^2$ and solve to get $\alpha = 3$
- Find $\beta$ from $B^2 - 5B - 6I = O$: Calculate $B^2$ and solve to get $\beta = 4$
- Check (S1): Calculate $(B-A)(B+A) = \begin{bmatrix}13 & 15\\ 7 & 10\end{bmatrix}$, then transpose gives $\begin{bmatrix}13 & 7\\ 15 & 10\end{bmatrix} \neq \begin{bmatrix}13 & 15\\ 7 & 10\end{bmatrix}$, so (S1) is FALSE
- Check (S2): Calculate $\det(A+B) = \det\begin{bmatrix}4 & 5\\ 5 & 5\end{bmatrix} = -5$
- Use property $\det(\text{adj}(M)) = [\det(M)]^{n-1}$ for $n \times n$ matrix. For $n=2$: $\det(\text{adj}(A+B)) = \det(A+B) = -5$, so (S2) is TRUE
- Conclusion: Only (S2) is correct
Q5 · MCQ · Sequences and Series · Hard
Let A be the set of first 101 terms of an A.P., whose first term is 1 and the common difference is 5 and let B be the set of first 71 terms of an A.P., whose first term is 9 and the common difference is 7. Then the number of elements in $A \cap B$, which are divisible by 3, is :
- (1) 4
- (2) 5
- (3) 6
- (4) 7
Show answer and solution
Answer: Option (2)
Key idea: Intersection of two arithmetic progressions and divisibility conditions
- Step 1: Write general terms: Set $A$ has $a_n = 5n - 4$ for $n = 1$ to $101$, Set $B$ has $b_m = 7m + 2$ for $m = 1$ to $71$
- Step 2: For $A \cap B$, solve $5n - 4 = 7m + 2$, which gives $5n = 7m + 6$. For integer $n$, we need $7m \equiv -1 \pmod{5}$, so $m \equiv 2 \pmod{5}$
- Step 3: Values of $m$ are $2, 7, 12, 17, ..., 67$ (since $m \leq 71$ and corresponding $n \leq 101$). This gives 14 common elements
- Step 4: Common elements form an A.P.: $16, 51, 86, 121, 156, 191, 226, 261, 296, 331, 366, 401, 436, 471$ with first term $16$ and common difference $35$
- Step 5: For divisibility by 3: $16 + 35k \equiv 0 \pmod{3}$ gives $1 + 2k \equiv 0 \pmod{3}$, so $k \equiv 1 \pmod{3}$
- Step 6: Values $k = 1, 4, 7, 10, 13$ give elements $51, 156, 261, 366, 471$ (all divisible by 3)
- Step 7: Count the elements: There are $\boxed{5}$ elements in $A \cap B$ divisible by 3
Q6 · MCQ · Permutations and Combinations · Medium
The number of seven-digit numbers, that can be formed by using the digits 1, 2, 3, 5 and 7 such that each digit is used at least once, is :
- (1) 15400
- (2) 17800
- (3) 16800
- (4) 29400
Show answer and solution
Answer: Option (3)
Key idea: Permutations with repetition - distributing objects with constraints
- We have 5 distinct digits {1, 2, 3, 5, 7} and need to form 7-digit numbers with each digit used at least once. Since $5 + 2 = 7$, we need 2 extra digits.
- **Case 1:** Two digits appear twice each, three appear once. Choose 2 digits to repeat: $\binom{5}{2} = 10$ ways.
- Arrange 7 digits with two pairs: $\frac{7!}{2! \times 2!} = \frac{5040}{4} = 1260$. Case 1 total: $10 \times 1260 = 12600$.
- **Case 2:** One digit appears three times, four appear once. Choose 1 digit to repeat thrice: $\binom{5}{1} = 5$ ways.
- Arrange 7 digits with one triplet: $\frac{7!}{3!} = \frac{5040}{6} = 840$. Case 2 total: $5 \times 840 = 4200$.
- Total number of 7-digit numbers: $12600 + 4200 = 16800$.
Q7 · MCQ · Binomial Theorem · Hard
The number of elements in the set $S = \left\{(r, k) : k \in \mathbf{Z} \text{ and } ^{36}C_{r+1} = \frac{6\binom{35}{r}}{\left(k^2-3\right)}\right\}$, is :
- (1) 2
- (2)
- (3)
- (4)
Show answer and solution
Answer under review. Our two independent solutions did not agree, so we are not showing an answer yet. Check it against NTA's final answer key.
Key idea: Binomial Coefficients and Relations
Q8 · MCQ · Statistics · Medium
If the mean of the data
| Class | 5-10 | 10-15 | 15-20 | 20-25 | 25-30 | 30-35 |
| Frequency | 2 | k | 28 | 54 | k+1 | 5 |
is 21, then k is one of the roots of the equation :
- (1) $2x^2 - 23x - 10 = 0$
- (2) $4x^2 - 35x + 24 = 0$
- (3) $2x^2 - 19x - 10 = 0$
- (4) $2x^2 - 35x + 98 = 0$
Show answer and solution
Answer: Option (3)
Key idea: Mean of grouped data and finding equation from roots
- Find class marks: $x_i = 7.5, 12.5, 17.5, 22.5, 27.5, 32.5$
- Calculate total frequency: $\Sigma f_i = 2 + k + 28 + 54 + (k+1) + 5 = 90 + 2k$
- Calculate $\Sigma f_i x_i = 2(7.5) + k(12.5) + 28(17.5) + 54(22.5) + (k+1)(27.5) + 5(32.5) = 1910 + 40k$
- Use mean formula: $21 = \frac{1910 + 40k}{90 + 2k}$
- Solve: $21(90 + 2k) = 1910 + 40k \Rightarrow 1890 + 42k = 1910 + 40k \Rightarrow k = 10$
- Check which equation has $x = 10$ as root: $2(10)^2 - 19(10) - 10 = 200 - 190 - 10 = 0$ ✓
Q9 · MCQ · Coordinate Geometry · Medium
Let the mid points of the sides of a triangle ABC be $\left(\frac{5}{2}, 7\right)$, $\left(\frac{5}{2}, 3\right)$ and $(4, 5)$. If its incentre is $(h, k)$, then $3h + k$ is equal to :
- (1) 11
- (2) 12
- (3) 13
- (4) 14
Show answer and solution
Answer: Option (3)
Key idea: Finding vertices from midpoints and calculating incentre coordinates
- Step 1: Use midpoint formulas to set up equations: If midpoints are $D(\frac{5}{2}, 7)$, $E(\frac{5}{2}, 3)$, $F(4, 5)$, then $x_2 + x_3 = 5$, $x_1 + x_3 = 5$, $x_1 + x_2 = 8$ (and similar for $y$-coordinates).
- Step 2: Solve the system by adding all equations: $2(x_1 + x_2 + x_3) = 18 \Rightarrow x_1 + x_2 + x_3 = 9$. Similarly, $y_1 + y_2 + y_3 = 15$.
- Step 3: Find vertices: $A(4, 1)$, $B(4, 9)$, $C(1, 5)$ by subtracting appropriate equations.
- Step 4: Calculate side lengths: $a = BC = 5$, $b = AC = 5$, $c = AB = 8$.
- Step 5: Apply incentre formula: $h = \frac{ax_A + bx_B + cx_C}{a+b+c} = \frac{5(4) + 5(4) + 8(1)}{18} = \frac{8}{3}$ and $k = \frac{5(1) + 5(9) + 8(5)}{18} = 5$.
- Step 6: Calculate $3h + k = 3 \times \frac{8}{3} + 5 = 8 + 5 = 13$.
Q10 · Numerical · Conic Sections · Medium
Let an ellipse $\frac{x^2}{a^2} + \frac{y^2}{b^2} = 1$, $a < b$, pass through the point $(4, 3)$ and have eccentricity $\frac{\sqrt{5}}{3}$. Then the length of its latus rectum is :
Show answer and solution
Answer: $\frac{8\sqrt{5}}{3}$
Key idea: Ellipse with major axis along y-axis, eccentricity relation, and latus rectum formula
- Since $a < b$, the major axis is along y-axis. Use $e = \frac{c}{b}$ where $c^2 = b^2 - a^2$
- From $e = \frac{\sqrt{5}}{3}$: $c = \frac{\sqrt{5}b}{3}$, so $\frac{5b^2}{9} = b^2 - a^2$, giving $a^2 = \frac{4b^2}{9}$
- Substitute point $(4,3)$ into ellipse equation: $\frac{16}{a^2} + \frac{9}{b^2} = 1$
- Replace $a^2 = \frac{4b^2}{9}$: $\frac{36}{b^2} + \frac{9}{b^2} = 1$, so $b^2 = 45$ and $a^2 = 20$
- Use latus rectum formula $L = \frac{2a^2}{b} = \frac{40}{\sqrt{45}} = \frac{40}{3\sqrt{5}} = \frac{8\sqrt{5}}{3}$
Q11 · MCQ · Trigonometric Functions · Hard
If $\sin\left(\frac{\pi}{18}\right)\sin\left(\frac{5\pi}{18}\right)\sin\left(\frac{7\pi}{18}\right) = K$, then the value of $\sin\left(\frac{10K\pi}{3}\right)$ is:
- (1) $\frac{\sqrt{3}+1}{2\sqrt{2}}$
- (2) $\frac{\sqrt{3}-1}{\sqrt{2}}$
- (3) $\frac{\sqrt{3}}{2}$
- (4) $\frac{1}{2}$
Show answer and solution
Answer: Option (1)
Key idea: Product of sines at specific angles and compound angle formulas
- Step 1: Recognize that $\sin\left(\frac{\pi}{18}\right)\sin\left(\frac{5\pi}{18}\right)\sin\left(\frac{7\pi}{18}\right) = \sin(10°)\sin(50°)\sin(70°)$
- Step 2: Use the identity $\sin(x)\sin(60°-x)\sin(60°+x) = \frac{1}{4}\sin(3x)$ with $x=10°$ to get $K = \frac{1}{4}\sin(30°) = \frac{1}{8}$
- Step 3: Calculate $\frac{10K\pi}{3} = \frac{10 \cdot \frac{1}{8} \cdot \pi}{3} = \frac{5\pi}{12}$
- Step 4: Express $\sin\left(\frac{5\pi}{12}\right) = \sin(75°) = \sin(45° + 30°)$
- Step 5: Apply sum formula: $\sin(45°)\cos(30°) + \cos(45°)\sin(30°) = \frac{\sqrt{2}}{2} \cdot \frac{\sqrt{3}}{2} + \frac{\sqrt{2}}{2} \cdot \frac{1}{2} = \frac{\sqrt{6}+\sqrt{2}}{4}$
- Step 6: Simplify $\frac{\sqrt{6}+\sqrt{2}}{4} = \frac{\sqrt{2}(\sqrt{3}+1)}{4} = \frac{\sqrt{3}+1}{2\sqrt{2}}$
Q12 · MCQ · Trigonometric Functions · Hard
Let $S = \{x \in [-\pi, \pi]: \sin x (\sin x + \cos x) = a, a \in Z\}$. Then $n(S)$ is equal to:
- (1) $3$
- (2) $6$
- (3) $7$
- (4) $9$
Show answer and solution
Answer: Option (4)
Key idea: Trigonometric equations with integer constraints and range analysis
- Step 1: Expand $\sin x(\sin x + \cos x) = \sin^2 x + \sin x \cos x$
- Step 2: Use identities to get $\frac{1 - \cos 2x}{2} + \frac{\sin 2x}{2} = \frac{1 + \sin 2x - \cos 2x}{2}$
- Step 3: Simplify to $\frac{1 + \sqrt{2}\sin(2x - \pi/4)}{2} = a$, which gives $\sqrt{2}\sin(2x - \pi/4) = 2a - 1$
- Step 4: Since $-\sqrt{2} \leq 2a - 1 \leq \sqrt{2}$, we get $a \in \{0, 1\}$
- Step 5: For $a = 0$: $\sin(2x - \pi/4) = -\frac{1}{\sqrt{2}}$ gives $x \in \{-\pi, -\pi/4, 0, 3\pi/4, \pi\}$ (5 values)
- Step 6: For $a = 1$: $\sin(2x - \pi/4) = \frac{1}{\sqrt{2}}$ gives $x \in \{-3\pi/4, -\pi/2, \pi/4, \pi/2\}$ (4 values)
- Step 7: Total $n(S) = 5 + 4 = 9$
Q13 · MCQ · Three Dimensional Geometry · Medium
If the point of intersection of the lines $\frac{x+1}{3} = \frac{y+a}{5} = \frac{z+b+1}{7}$ and $\frac{x-2}{1} = \frac{y-b}{4} = \frac{z-2a}{7}$ lies on $xy$-plane, then the value of $a+b$ is :
- (1) $2$
- (2) $5$
- (3) $7$
- (4) $9$
Show answer and solution
Answer: Option (3)
Key idea: Intersection of lines in 3D space and condition for point on xy-plane
- Parametrize both lines: Line 1 with parameter $t$ gives $(3t-1, 5t-a, 7t-b-1)$ and Line 2 with parameter $s$ gives $(s+2, 4s+b, 7s+2a)$
- Equate coordinates at intersection: From $x$: $3t - s = 3$; From $y$: $5t - 4s = a + b$; From $z$: $7(t-s) = 2a + b + 1$
- Since intersection lies on $xy$-plane, $z = 0$. Using Line 1: $7t - b - 1 = 0 \Rightarrow t = \frac{b+1}{7}$
- Solve for $s$ from equation 1: $s = 3t - 3$. Substitute into the $y$ equation to get $-7t + 12 = a + b$
- Substitute $t = \frac{b+1}{7}$ into $-7t + 12 = a + b$ to get $11 = a + 2b$
- Use the $z$ equation to get another relation: $2a = 18 - 3b$. Solving both equations gives $a = 3, b = 4$
- Therefore, $a + b = 3 + 4 = 7$
Q14 · MCQ · Vector Algebra · Hard
If $\vec{a}$ and $\vec{b}$ are two vectors such that $|\vec{a}| = 2$ and $|\vec{b}| = 3$, then the maximum value of $3\left|\left(3\vec{a} + 2\vec{b}\right)\right| + 4\left|\left(3\vec{a} - 2\vec{b}\right)\right|$ is :
- (1) $30$
- (2) $36$
- (3) $60$
- (4) $72$
Show answer and solution
Answer: Option (3)
Key idea: Vector Magnitude Optimization using Triangle Inequality and Calculus
- Express $|3\vec{a} + 2\vec{b}|^2 = 72(1 + \cos\theta)$ and $|3\vec{a} - 2\vec{b}|^2 = 72(1 - \cos\theta)$ where $\theta$ is the angle between $\vec{a}$ and $\vec{b}$
- Substitute to get $f(\theta) = 18\sqrt{2(1 + \cos\theta)} + 24\sqrt{2(1 - \cos\theta)}$
- Let $x = \cos\theta$ and find critical points: $f'(x) = \frac{9\sqrt{2}}{\sqrt{1+x}} - \frac{12\sqrt{2}}{\sqrt{1-x}} = 0$
- Solve to get $9\sqrt{1-x} = 12\sqrt{1+x}$, which gives $\cos\theta = -\frac{7}{25}$
- Calculate $f(-\frac{7}{25}) = 18 \cdot \frac{6}{5} + 24 \cdot \frac{8}{5} = \frac{108 + 192}{5} = 60$
- Verify this exceeds boundary values at $\theta = 0$ and $\theta = \pi$
Q15 · MCQ · Three Dimensional Geometry · Medium
Let a line L passing through the point $(1, 1, 1)$ be perpendicular to both the vectors $2\hat{i} + 2\hat{j} + \hat{k}$ and $\hat{i} + 2\hat{j} + 2\hat{k}$. If $P(a, b, c)$ is the foot of perpendicular from the origin on the line L, then the value of $34(a + b + c)$ is :
- (1) $50$
- (2) $80$
- (3) $100$
- (4)
Show answer and solution
Answer: Option (3)
Key idea: Foot of perpendicular from a point to a line in 3D, Cross product for direction vector
- Find direction vector of line $L$ using cross product: $\vec{d} = (2\hat{i} + 2\hat{j} + \hat{k}) \times (\hat{i} + 2\hat{j} + 2\hat{k}) = 2\hat{i} - 3\hat{j} + 2\hat{k}$
- Write equation of line $L$ passing through $(1,1,1)$: $\vec{r} = (1,1,1) + t(2,-3,2)$
- Point $P$ on line $L$ is $(1+2t, 1-3t, 1+2t)$. Since $\vec{OP} \perp \vec{d}$, we have $\vec{OP} \cdot \vec{d} = 0$
- Solve: $2(1+2t) - 3(1-3t) + 2(1+2t) = 0 \Rightarrow 1 + 17t = 0 \Rightarrow t = -\frac{1}{17}$
- Find $P$: $a = \frac{15}{17}$, $b = \frac{20}{17}$, $c = \frac{15}{17}$, so $a+b+c = \frac{50}{17}$
- Calculate: $34(a+b+c) = 34 \times \frac{50}{17} = 100$
Q16 · MCQ · Limits and Derivatives · Hard
If $\lim_{x\to 2} \frac{\sin(x^3-5x^2+ax+b)}{(\sqrt{x-1}-1)\log_e(x-1)} = m$, then $a+b+m$ is equal to:
- (1) 5
- (2) 6
- (3) 8
- (4) 10
Show answer and solution
Answer: Option (2)
Key idea: Limits with indeterminate forms, Taylor series expansion, and parameter determination
- For the limit to exist, both numerator and denominator must approach 0 as $x \to 2$. This gives $2a + b = 12$.
- Substitute $u = x - 2$ and expand $x^3 - 5x^2 + ax + b = (a-8)u + u^2 + u^3 + (2a+b-12)$.
- For a non-zero finite limit, the coefficient of $u$ must be zero: $a - 8 = 0$, so $a = 8$ and $b = -4$.
- Using Taylor expansions: $\sqrt{x-1} - 1 \approx \frac{u}{2}$ and $\ln(x-1) \approx u$ as $u \to 0$.
- The limit becomes $\lim_{u \to 0} \frac{\sin(u^2(1+u))}{\frac{u^2}{2}} = \lim_{u \to 0} \frac{u^2(1+u)}{\frac{u^2}{2}} = 2$, so $m = 2$.
- Therefore, $a + b + m = 8 + (-4) + 2 = 6$.
Q17 · MCQ · Differential Equations · Medium
If the curve $y=f(x)$ passes through the point $(1, e)$ and satisfies the differential equation $dy=y(2+\log_e x)dx$, $x>0$, then $f(e)$ is equal to:
- (1) $e^e$
- (2) $e^{e^2}$
- (3) $e^{2e}$
- (4) $e^{2^e}$
Show answer and solution
Answer: Option (3)
Key idea: First-order linear differential equation with variable separable method and integration by parts
- Separate variables: $\frac{dy}{y} = (2 + \ln x)dx$
- Integrate both sides: $\ln y = \int(2 + \ln x)dx$
- Use integration by parts for $\int \ln x\, dx = x\ln x - x$, giving $\ln y = 2x + x\ln x - x + C = x(1 + \ln x) + C$
- Apply initial condition $(1, e)$: $\ln e = 1(1 + \ln 1) + C \Rightarrow 1 = 1 + C \Rightarrow C = 0$
- Particular solution: $\ln y = x(1 + \ln x)$
- Find $f(e)$: $\ln y = e(1 + \ln e) = e(1 + 1) = 2e$, so $y = e^{2e}$
Q18 · MCQ · Application of Derivatives · Hard
The number of critical points of the function $f(x) = \begin{cases} \sqrt{\frac{|\sin x|}{x}}, & x \neq 0 \\ 1, & x = 0 \end{cases}$ in the interval $(-2\pi, 2\pi)$ is equal to:
- (1) 1
- (2) 3
- (3) 5
- (4)
Show answer and solution
Answer: Option (2)
Key idea: Critical points of piecewise functions involving absolute values
- 1. Check continuity: $\lim_{x \to 0} \sqrt{\frac{|\sin x|}{x}} = 1 = f(0)$, so $f$ is continuous everywhere
- 2. For $x \neq 0$, write $f(x) = \sqrt{\frac{|\sin x|}{x}}$ and note that $|\sin x| = 0$ at $x = \pm\pi$ in the given interval
- 3. At $x = \pm\pi$: Since $\sin(\pm\pi) = 0$, we have $f(\pm\pi) = 0$ and the derivative doesn't exist (cusps)
- 4. Check $x = 0$: Using L'Hôpital or Taylor series, $f'(0^+) = f'(0^-) = 0$, so $x = 0$ is a critical point
- 5. For other points, differentiate in regions where $\sin x$ has constant sign. Critical points occur when $x\cos x = \sin x$ (i.e., $\tan x = x$) or $x\cos x = -\sin x$
- 6. The equation $\tan x = x$ has no solutions in $(-2\pi, 2\pi) \setminus \{0\}$ within the valid regions
- 7. Total critical points: $x = -\pi, 0, \pi$ giving **3 critical points**
Q19 · MCQ · Integrals
Let $[\cdot]$ denote the greatest integer function. Then the value of $\int_{0}^{3}\left(\frac{e^x+e^{-x}}{[x]!}\right)dx$ is:
- (1) $e^2 + e^3 - \frac{1}{e^2} - \frac{1}{e^3}$
- (2) $\frac{1}{2}\left(e^2 + e^3 - \frac{1}{e^2} - \frac{1}{e^3}\right)$
- (3) $e^2 + e^3 - \frac{1}{2e^2} - \frac{1}{2e^3}$
- (4) $\frac{1}{2}(e^2 + e^3) - \frac{1}{e^2} - \frac{1}{e^3}$
Show answer and solution
Answer under review. Our two independent solutions did not agree, so we are not showing an answer yet. Check it against NTA's final answer key.
Q20 · MCQ · Differential Equations · Medium
Let $y=y(x)$ be the solution curve of the differential equation $(1+\sin x)\frac{dy}{dx}+(y+1)\cos x=0, y(0)=0$. If the curve $y=y(x)$ passes through the point $\left(\alpha, \frac{-1}{2}\right)$, then a value of $\alpha$ is:
- (1) $\frac{\pi}{6}$
- (2) $\frac{\pi}{4}$
- (3) $\frac{\pi}{3}$
- (4) $\frac{\pi}{2}$
Show answer and solution
Answer: Option (4)
Key idea: First-order linear differential equation solved by variable separation
- Rearrange and separate variables: $\frac{dy}{y+1} = \frac{-\cos x}{1+\sin x}dx$
- Integrate both sides: $\ln|y+1| = -\ln|1+\sin x| + C$
- Simplify to get: $(y+1)(1+\sin x) = K$
- Apply initial condition $y(0)=0$ to find $K=1$, giving $(y+1)(1+\sin x) = 1$
- Solve for $y$: $y = \frac{-\sin x}{1+\sin x}$
- Substitute $y = -\frac{1}{2}$: $\frac{-\sin \alpha}{1+\sin \alpha} = -\frac{1}{2}$
- Solve to get $\sin \alpha = 1$, therefore $\alpha = \frac{\pi}{2}$
Q21 · Numerical · Relations and Functions · Hard
If the domain of the function $f(x) = \sqrt{\log_{(0.6)}\left|\frac{2x-5}{x^2-4}\right|}$ is $(-\infty, a] \cup \{b\} \cup [c, d) \cup (e, \infty)$, then the value of $a+b+c+d+e$ is _________.
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Answer under review. Our two independent solutions did not agree, so we are not showing an answer yet. Check it against NTA's final answer key.
Key idea: Domain of composite functions involving logarithm and square root with rational expressions
Q22 · Numerical · Sequences and Series · Medium
If $\sum_{k=1}^{6} a_k = 6n^3$, then $\sum_{k=1}^{6} \left(\frac{a_{k+1} - a_k}{36}\right)^2$ is equal to _________.
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Answer: 91
Key idea: Telescoping series and sum of squares formula
- Given $\sum_{k=1}^{6} a_k = 6n^3$, recognize this as a telescoping sum where $a_k = 6(k^3 - (k-1)^3)$
- Expand: $a_k = 6(3k^2 - 3k + 1) = 18k^2 - 18k + 6$
- Find the difference: $a_{k+1} - a_k = 18(k+1)^2 - 18(k+1) + 6 - 18k^2 + 18k - 6 = 36k$
- Substitute into the expression: $\frac{a_{k+1} - a_k}{36} = \frac{36k}{36} = k$
- Evaluate: $\sum_{k=1}^{6} k^2 = \frac{6 \cdot 7 \cdot 13}{6} = 91$
Q23 · Numerical · Probability · Medium
Let a, b, $c \in \{1, 2, 3, 4\}$. If the probability, that $ax^2 + 2\sqrt{2}bx + c > 0$ for all $x \in R$, is $\frac{m}{n}$, $\gcd(m, n) = 1$, then $m+n$ is equal to _________.
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Answer under review. Our two independent solutions did not agree, so we are not showing an answer yet. Check it against NTA's final answer key.
Key idea: Quadratic inequalities and probability - condition for quadratic to be always positive using discriminant
Q24 · Numerical · Conic Sections · Medium
Let a circle C have its centre in the first quadrant, intersect the coordinate axes at exactly three points and cut off equal intercepts from the coordinate axes. If the length of the chord of C on the line $x+y=1$ is $\sqrt{14}$, then the square of the radius of C is _________.
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Answer: 8
Key idea: Circle passing through origin with equal intercepts on axes, chord length formula
- Since the circle intersects axes at exactly 3 points with equal intercepts, it passes through $(0,0)$, $(a,0)$, and $(0,a)$ for some $a > 0$
- The center equidistant from these three points is at $(\frac{a}{2}, \frac{a}{2})$ (can be verified by setting distances equal)
- The radius squared is $r^2 = (\frac{a}{2})^2 + (\frac{a}{2})^2 = \frac{a^2}{2}$
- Distance from center $(\frac{a}{2}, \frac{a}{2})$ to line $x+y=1$ is $d = \frac{|a-1|}{\sqrt{2}}$
- Using chord length formula: $(\sqrt{14})^2 = 4(r^2 - d^2)$, we get $14 = 4(\frac{a^2}{2} - \frac{(a-1)^2}{2})$
- Simplifying: $14 = 2(2a-1)$ gives $a = 4$
- Therefore, $r^2 = \frac{16}{2} = 8$
Q25 · Numerical · Integrals · Hard
If $\alpha = \int\limits_{0}^{2\sqrt{3}} \log_2(x^2+4)\,dx + \int\limits_{\frac{1}{2}}^{4} \sqrt{2^x-4}\,dx$, then $\alpha^2$ is equal to __________.
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Answer: 192
Key idea: Definite Integration using substitution and King's property
- For $I_1 = \int_0^{2\sqrt{3}} \log_2(x^2+4)\,dx$, substitute $x = 2\tan\theta$ to get $I_1 = \int_0^{\pi/3} \log_2(4\sec^2\theta) \cdot 2\sec^2\theta\,d\theta$
- Simplify: $I_1 = 4\int_0^{\pi/3} \sec^2\theta\,d\theta + 4\int_0^{\pi/3} \log_2(\sec\theta) \cdot \sec^2\theta\,d\theta = 4\sqrt{3} + 4J$
- For the second part $J$, substitute $u = \tan\theta$ and use integration by parts to get $J = \frac{1}{2\ln 2}[u\ln(1+u^2) - 2u + 2\arctan(u)]_0^{\sqrt{3}} = \sqrt{3} - \frac{\sqrt{3}}{\ln 2} + \frac{\pi}{3\ln 2}$
- Thus $I_1 = 8\sqrt{3} - \frac{4\sqrt{3}}{\ln 2} + \frac{4\pi}{3\ln 2}$
- For $I_2 = \int_2^4 \sqrt{2^x-4}\,dx$, substitute $2^x = 4\sec^2\phi$ to get $I_2 = \frac{4}{\ln 2}\int_0^{\pi/3} \tan^2\phi\,d\phi = \frac{4\sqrt{3}}{\ln 2} - \frac{4\pi}{3\ln 2}$
- Adding: $\alpha = I_1 + I_2 = 8\sqrt{3}$ (the extra terms cancel)
- Therefore $\alpha^2 = (8\sqrt{3})^2 = 64 \times 3 = 192$